Can one chick be happy and healthy by herself

[D from Quincy]

I have two chicks. I'm concerned what will happen when one loses the other due to natural causes. They are both the same age and breed, Can one live ok without the other or should I consider getting two more and if so what would be a good age to introduce pellets into the small family. Thanks for guidance

 

[Northwest_Wannabe]

Single birds are not a good idea (honestly in basically any species) How old are your chicks? What's wrong with the one that you think you're going to lose?

 

[icy_flames]

Definitely need more than 2 birds. They are social animals and will get lonely. I've always heard absolute bare minimum in a flock is 3.

 

[parvani]

I have a silver laced Barnevelder that refuses to socialize with other birds. Lacey just wants to hang out with me, in my "people" living space.

She's unhappy and losing weight again while in with the other chickens. She comes up to me whenever I visit my chickens, and roosts where she can keep watch for me.

I'm afraid I'm going to have to keep her in a box in my living room again, just to make sure she eats and drinks enough. She's a beautiful Barnevelder with gorgeous double-laced feathers, and I don't want to lose her.

I'm working hard to obtain more Barnevelders to be companions for her... But she didn't bond with the last ones I hatched, and may not bond any better with the next hatch, either.

It's true that chickens are flocking birds. But what many people don't realize is that sometimes, YOU become a chicken's flock.

 

[Sammi_0411]

Chicks not really best to leave alone but sometimes cant be helped is there something wrong with ur chicks or is this what if scenario? Id say if u gona get more chicks make sure before original chicks turn 3 weeks and try to get similar ages. If a chick is on its own i found a little mirror and cuddly toy are good things to have. Hope this helps
Sam xxx

 

[D from Quincy]

Single birds are not a good idea (honestly in basically any species) How old are your chicks? What's wrong with the one that you think you're going to lose?

Thanks for Response, nothing is wrong with either of them. And I figured that would be the answer but when I started reading about introducing new chicks into the flock I wondered if just letting my two live their lives then when naturally over I would start over with four. I will start making coop renovations and plan on bringing two pullets home from the same farm as before. I needed to let him know soon and will plan on being ready for the summer. I will start with a separate quarantine area as instructed in the article referenced. I often wonder what I have got my self into and why. But the answer is obvious. I had no clue what I was getting myself into when I brought my girls home but now I love my two Ladies. Thanks Again. You have confirmed my thoughts.

 

[Callender Girl]

It's not the ideal to have a single chick. But, it doesn't have to be a disaster. SOMETIMES, circumstances force it. My "house" chicken is spending her second winter in the house. Dottie is extremely uncomfortable around other chickens to the point of running away when everyone is free ranging outside.

When she's not in her crate (which used to house a Great Pyrenees, so she has plenty of space), she likes to wander around the house, pecking at anything and everything. Eventually, she will hop up on the soda, frequently with me, the dog and the cat, and snuggle in for a nap. I don't think she's unhappy.

I think if you stick with your plan, things will work out. Here's hoping both your ladies live long and healthy lives.

 

[D from Quincy]

It's not the ideal to have a single chick. But, it doesn't have to be a disaster. SOMETIMES, circumstances force it. My "house" chicken is spending her second winter in the house. Dottie is extremely uncomfortable around other chickens to the point of running away when everyone is free ranging outside.

When she's not in her crate (which used to house a Great Pyrenees, so she has plenty of space), she likes to wander around the house, pecking at anything and everything. Eventually, she will hop up on the soda, frequently with me, the dog and the cat, and snuggle in for a nap. I don't think she's unhappy.

I think if you stick with your plan, things will work out. Here's hoping both your ladies live long and healthy lives.

Thank You for the Nice Story and the vote of confidence. Dottie is a loved member of your family. She's happy, for sure.